[Ham-Computers] RE: com port inquiry

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

John,

You didn't mention what operating system you're using, so I'll assume
Windows.

If you goto the Device Manager ("System" control panel, then "Device
Manager", or, "Hardware -> Device Manager", depending on version of
Windows), scroll down and expand the "Ports" section.  This should list
the COM and LPT ports available on your system.  Double-click on one of
the "COM" ports and select the "Resources" tab.  This will show you
exactly what I/O range and IRQ the COM port is configured for.  If you
un-tick the "Use automatic settings" checkbox, you can then use the
pull-down "Settings" box to change the I/O and IRQ ranges to pre-set
values.  Win95/98 may allow you to double-click on the I/O range and IRQ
to change the values directly.  Win2K and XP's "native" drivers will
only allow you to use the preset settings.

I would highly suggest that you don't "hardcode" in Windows a specific
I/O and IRQ range unless absolutely necessary.  Windows uses the PnP
settings the BIOS used to configure the port at boot.  If you change the
settings in Window's Device Manager, than those settings are only in
effect while in Windows.  Changes should be made via the CMOS setup (or
via a utility, if the COM port is configured that way) - this ensures
that the COM port settings are consistant at a lower level than the OS
(and the OS should use the BIOS configured settings to start).

In your case, a better option might be to just swap the devices on the
COM ports you have...put the device that "needs" to be on COM1: on COM1:
and move the other device on COM2:.  If the device you have on COM1 is a
mouse, then this is definitely the better way to go as most OS's don't
care what COM port a mouse is on.  Ditto with a modem as most modem apps
can be configured to use COM2.

73,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2006 5:58 PM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] com port inquiry


Hi,

I have been on for a while, but posted only once as I recall.  I've
saved 
the dopey question for now:  I have need to rearrange my comport
assignments 
due to a program that requires com 1, which is currently occupied.  For
the 
life of me, I can't find the function that will display to me, a list of
the 
com port assignments.  Failing that, is there a function by which I can
got 
to each com port setup and look singly?

thanks in advance for any help that is available.

best regards

John Collins
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